The Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) vowed to intensify the monitoring and evaluation (M and E) of the country’s policies and programs to ensure these help improve the lives of Filipinos.
Speaking at the 12th M and E Network Forum, DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized how progress should be measured not just by growth figures, but by looking at the impact of government actions on ordinary Filipinos.
‘Impactful growth means better public services, more secure and sustainable livelihoods and stronger public trust in government. M and E plays a central role here. It helps us see whether commitments are being met, whether resources are used wisely, and most importantly, whether programs are delivering real benefits to our people,’ Balisacan said.
The recent enactment of Republic Act 12145, which reorganized the National Economic and Development Authority into the DEPDev, strengthens the development planning agency’s mandate for evidence-based policymaking.
During the M and E Forum, discussions covered how M and E can guide budget and planning decisions and ensure that evaluation findings are used to improve government programs and policies.
The event also emphasized how M and E can help bridge gaps between data and decision-making.
The DEPDev said institutionalizing M and E at the project and program level is also expected to strengthen accountability.
This has become more important amid recent corruption issues that have surfaced in the government’s flood control projects.
In addition, M and E is seen to help prioritize limited resources to maximize impact.
‘That is why this forum is so important. It brings all of us together to turn the President’s mandate into action-to ensure that growth and public expenditure are translated into measurable outcomes and tangible benefits for every citizen,’ Balisacan said.
The DEPDev, in collaboration with development partners, has been conducting several M and E initiatives across critical growth sectors, including agriculture, labor, health and social protection.
To expand the pool of evaluators in the country, the DEPDev said capacity-building initiatives are being undertaken in the regions, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Balisacan said M and E should not just be a compliance tool, but a genuine driver of inclusive, resilient and sustainable development.